Independent Driving & the Sat Nav Explained (2026)
Learner guide
Independent driving & the sat nav explained
For about 20 minutes of your test you’ll drive independently — following either a sat nav or road signs. It sounds scary, but it’s not testing your memory or navigation. Here’s exactly how it works and why a wrong turn won’t fail you.
~20 minof the test
Sat navor road signs
DVSAprovides the device
0 faultsfor a wrong turn
What independent driving actually is
Independent driving is a section of the practical test — around 20 minutes — where you drive without turn-by-turn instructions from the examiner. Instead you follow either a sat nav the examiner sets up, or a series of road signs. It checks that you can make your own decisions safely, the way you will once you’ve passed. It is not a test of navigation — going off route is completely fine.
Most tests use a sat nav. The examiner brings it, mounts it and sets the route — you don’t touch or program anything.
The device
The examiner sets it up
The DVSA provides and programs the sat nav, so you never have to enter an address. You just drive and follow the instructions as they come.
Your job
Drive to the road, not the screen
Use the sat nav as a guide, but road signs, markings and speed limits always win. If the sat nav says one thing and a sign says another, follow the sign.
Tip: a quick glance is fine — listen to the voice and keep your eyes on the road.
Allowed
You can ask for a reminder
If you miss an instruction or aren’t sure, it’s fine to ask the examiner to confirm where you’re going. It won’t count against you.
Length
Around 20 minutes
The independent section runs for roughly 20 minutes — most of the driving part of your test — so it’s really just “normal” driving with a bit more freedom.
Following road signs instead
Around one in five tests use road signs rather than a sat nav (for example if it’s not possible to use one on that route). The examiner tells you where to head — e.g. “follow the signs for the town centre” — and you keep going until they give you a new direction. If there are no signs at a junction, just carry on the way that makes sense; the examiner will step in if needed.
What if you take a wrong turn?
Going off route is not a fault. The independent driving section is about how safely you drive, not whether you follow the perfect path. If you take a wrong turn or miss an exit, don’t panic — the examiner will calmly help you get back on track. You only pick up faults for how you drive, like a rushed lane change or missed observation, not for where you end up.
Top tips for the independent section
Look and plan early — read signs and lane markings well ahead so you’re in position in good time.
Don’t stare at the sat nav — quick glances only; the road comes first.
Obey the road, not the device — speed limits, signs and markings override the sat nav every time.
Ask if unsure — confirming the direction with the examiner is allowed and better than guessing dangerously.
Stay calm after a mistake — a wrong turn is fine; just keep driving safely.
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About 20 minutes — which is most of the driving part of the test. You follow either a sat nav or road signs without turn-by-turn directions from the examiner.
Do I have to set up the sat nav myself?
No. The examiner provides the sat nav and programs the route. You just follow the instructions — you never enter an address or touch the settings.
Will I fail if I go the wrong way?
No. Taking a wrong turn or going off route is not a fault. The section tests how safely you drive, not your navigation. The examiner will help you get back on track.
Does every test use a sat nav?
No. Around one in five tests uses road signs instead of a sat nav, for example where a sat nav route isn’t practical. Either way the examiner tells you where to head.
Based on the current DVSA practical driving test format. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK. This guide is independent and not affiliated with the DVSA.
